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Quick Q&A: Jake Jackson, Tartan Hockey

You signed with Michigan Tech on Wednesday. How big was that? It was a really, really big day for my family and me. Kind of overwhelming, I guess.

Why Michigan Tech? I didn't have any other Division I offers [when I committed]. It seemed like the right fit. I didn't want to go to a big school like Minnesota where I might have to fight just to be on the third line.

You were one of the top scorers in the Fall Elite League. Talk about that. Everything was faster-paced. It got me ready for the season. I went down to Waterloo (Iowa) to get some junior [hockey] experience, too. It all got me ready for the season.

Biggest asset? My speed. I've always had it. It's one thing I haven't had to work hard on.

What are your plans for the high school season? I want to push the pace, keep everybody in the game and keep moving forward.

Did you ever think about leaving Tartan to play elsewhere? I was actually enrolled at Hill-Murray in my freshman year, but I decided if I was good enough and worked hard enough, I could get noticed wherever I played. So I stayed at Tartan to play with my friends.

How important is high school hockey? There's nothing like it. The Elite League and the USHL are great experience, but you don't know each other that well. In high school, everyone comes together with one goal.